While all men are at risk of developing prostate cancer, factors like age, race, family history, lifestyle, and environment can affect the level of risk.
Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men age, with most cases occurring in men over the age of 65.
While only 1 in 10,000 under age 40 will be diagnosed, the rate increases significantly for those aged 40-59, with 1 in 39 men being diagnosed
That rate increases to 1 in 14 for those aged 60 to 69
40% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men under the age of 65
Race: Black and African American men are disproportionately affected, and are more likely to develop the disease at a younger age than those of other races/ethnic backgrounds.
1 in 7 African American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime (vs. 1 in 8 men in the overall population)
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer accounts for 31% of all newly diagnosed cancers among Black men, and is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Black men
Black men have the highest mortality rate for prostate cancer of any racial or ethnic group in the US—2.2 times higher than that of white men.
It is recommended that Black men and men of African descent talk to their healthcare providers about their personal risk factors and consider regular prostate cancer screenings from a younger age
Genetics and Family History: Some inherited genetic mutations have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, as has a family history of the disease.
Men with a close relative (father, brother, or son) who has had prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves
Men with multiple relatives that have a history of prostate cancer are nearly 4 times as likely to be diagnosed
Researchers have identified many genes associated with inherited cancer risk, many of which are associated with an increased risk of multiple types of cancer
Many of the same genetic mutations that cause prostate cancer can cause other cancers—breast, ovarian, and colon, to name a few—so it’s important to consult with both paternal and maternal family members to better understand one’s risk of developing the disease
It is recommended that men with a family history of prostate cancer talk to their healthcare provider about options for early detection and risk-reduction strategies
Men who have two or more relatives that have a history of prostate cancer are nearly 4 times as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer
Lifestyle Factors: Although genetics might play a leading role in influencing why one man might be at higher risk than another, improvements in diet and exercise are among the most commonly accepted strategies for the prevention of prostate cancer.
While being overweight does not appear to increase a man’s overall risk of developing prostate cancer, several studies have found that obese men may be at greater risk for having more advanced prostate cancer and of dying from prostate cancer
Research has shown that PSA test results in obese men can be lower despite the presence of disease, potentially leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment
Studies show that men who exercise the equivalent of one to three hours of walking each week have an 86% lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer
Three or more hours of vigorous exercise was found to lower the risk of prostate cancer death by 61%
A heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory diet with caloric control may help prevent many cancers, including prostate cancer
Smoking increases the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer and dying from prostate cancer. Continuing to smoke after your treatment for prostate cancer increases the risk of prostate cancer recurrence and death
Research has shown that stopping smoking returns the risk of dying of prostate cancer to that of someone who has never smoked
Reduce stress
Studies have shown that men who are overweight and who have high insulin levels when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer may be more likely to die from the disease
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland located in the male reproductive system. It is caused by the growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland, which can eventually form a tumor. With hundreds of thousands of new diagnoses each year, prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men in the United States.
One in eight men will be affected by prostate cancer in their lifetime, though not all men will be equally affected. It occurs most commonly in those over the age of 65 and disproportionately affects men of certain races. Black men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer (one in seven) and are twice as likely to die from the disease than men of other races.
The exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown, though it's understood to be a multifactorial disease. Factors that may increase one's risk of developing prostate cancer include age, race, genetics, family history, obesity, and certain environmental factors.
Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean a person will develop prostate cancer, and some individuals with no known risk factors may still be diagnosed with the disease.
However, with early detection through regular screening and appropriate treatment, many men are able to recover and go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
What are the symptoms?
In early stages of the disease, those with prostate cancer may not experience any symptoms, making regular screening very important. However, as the cancer progresses, it may cause some of the following symptoms:
Changes in urination, including:
Frequent urination, especially at night
Inability to urinate or difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak or interrupted urinary stream
Pain or burning during urination
Blood in the urine or semen
Difficulty in having or maintaining an erection
Pain or discomfort in the testicles or rectum
Painful ejaculation
Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or thighs
Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous growth of the prostate. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment, if necessary.